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Anyone Tried Low-Light Carpets?
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2025 9:42 pm
by blazefox
Yo, anyone got experience with low-light carpet plants? I'm setting up a 20-gallon with some Anubias and Java Fern, but wanna try a carpet. Heard Monte Carlo might work, but my light's kinda weak. Thoughts?
Re: Anyone Tried Low-Light Carpets?
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2025 10:26 pm
by amberly
Monte Carlo can work in low light, but it'll grow slower. I've had success with Dwarf Hairgrass in my 15-gallon with just a basic LED. Just make sure your substrate's decent, and maybe add root tabs if it's inert.
Re: Anyone Tried Low-Light Carpets?
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2025 11:16 pm
by fisherby
I've tried both Monte Carlo and Dwarf Hairgrass in low light. Monte Carlo took forever to spread, but Hairgrass filled in nicely after a few months. What's your substrate like? That'll make a big difference.
Re: Anyone Tried Low-Light Carpets?
Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2025 12:47 am
by silverbark
amberly wrote: ↑Thu Jul 24, 2025 10:26 pm
Monte Carlo can work in low light, but it'll grow slower. I've had success with Dwarf Hairgrass in my 15-gallon with just a basic LED. Just make sure your substrate's decent, and maybe add root tabs if it's inert.
Yep, seconding the root tabs. I use Flourish tabs with my Hairgrass, and it's been thriving even with minimal light.
Re: Anyone Tried Low-Light Carpets?
Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2025 2:39 am
by keelmate9
Honestly, I'd skip the carpet if your light's weak. Tried it once, and it was a mess. Ended up pulling it all out and going with moss instead. Way less hassle.
Re: Anyone Tried Low-Light Carpets?
Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2025 3:29 am
by blazefox
Thanks for the tips, y'all. Gonna grab some Hairgrass and root tabs, see how it goes. Appreciate it!
Re: Anyone Tried Low-Light Carpets?
Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2025 4:44 am
by amberly
Good luck! Keep us posted. Oh, and if you're using CO2, even a little bit can help speed things up. Not necessary, but it's a nice boost.
Re: Anyone Tried Low-Light Carpets?
Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2025 6:03 am
by fisherby
keelmate9 wrote: ↑Fri Jul 25, 2025 2:39 am
Honestly, I'd skip the carpet if your light's weak. Tried it once, and it was a mess. Ended up pulling it all out and going with moss instead. Way less hassle.
Moss is a solid backup plan. Java Moss or Christmas Moss would work great in low light and still give that carpet vibe.
Re: Anyone Tried Low-Light Carpets?
Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2025 6:23 am
by silverbark
If you're set on a carpet, maybe try Marsilea Hirsuta. It's slower than Monte Carlo but more forgiving with light. Just a thought.
Re: Anyone Tried Low-Light Carpets?
Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2025 7:21 am
by keelmate9
Yeah, moss is chill. No fuss, no muss. Plus, it's great for shrimp if you're into that.